Glen-L.com

You've done a tremendous job so far on the build, and a fantastic job documenting it. Thanks for sharing the link....it is in my favorites now. I need to rebuild my mad money account so I can get the plans. I have a feeling that, due to some house-related problems we have had and continue to have, I am going to have to by one stick at a time to start this any time soon, but I have your build to follow. Thanks again for sharing the link.

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Ken Hundley
http://www.nocturnalguitars.com

So, my big brother was playing guitar and I figured I'd try it too.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan

Just noticed a fellow Key Largo builder!
I am nearing completion. Sea (lake) trials were 2 weeks back and went well. My seats are now out for upholstery. I will try to get a picture or two up. I bought the plans from Hankinson's originally in 2003 and have been using Glen-L as resource and for parts etc.
I installed a 4.3L GM V-6 in mine.
I have a complete set of building photos and costs logs. I think Gayle will be putting them on the photo archives on the Glen-L site.

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Completed Key Largo in 2011!

Beautiful job, David! How'd the trials go? I have been thinking about the 4.3 as well, would love to hear how it performed.

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Ken Hundley
http://www.nocturnalguitars.com

So, my big brother was playing guitar and I figured I'd try it too.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan

Trials went very well. My major concerns were the holes in the hull (rudder, prop shaft, intake and strut bolts). I had a bit of seepage through a couple of the strut bolts, but otherwise a dry bilge. I used large fender washers on the strut bolts which was a short cut I shouldn't have taken. It was a couple years since I put the strut on now and I think the plywood of the keel compressed around the holes. I should have used a big steel plate in the first place. Since I have taken seats out for upholstery, I bought the steel plate and bored the holes last week. I will pull the washers and drop the plate on with a good new application of 3M 5200 and cinch her down creating a steel sandwich.
The motor is going to be a good fit I think. Not as big as a V-8 and plenty of power. I ran it up to about 20 mph only on the maiden voyage, but everything was smooth. The water was glass smooth so I didn't have the chance to see how it handled in chop, but will next time and will wind it up higher as well.
Here is a picture of the hull after we got it back on the new trailer a couple years back.

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Completed Key Largo in 2011!

Sounds great David! Keep us up to date on further trials! I do intend to ski and tube off this boat, and want to make sure the 4.3 can do it easily. I'd love to hit upper 40s if I could, maybe even 50, but not necessary. Again, great looking boat, and can't wait to see more of the pictures!

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Ken Hundley
http://www.nocturnalguitars.com

So, my big brother was playing guitar and I figured I'd try it too.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan

Thought I'd post some updated pic's. Dash with guages inset. Not going quite traditional with ceiling. Am going to upholster ceiling panels (you can see mostly installed. Got most of the wiring in and now working on covering boards...

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John Sheperdson
http://keylargobarrelback19utility.shutterfly.com/

John-
great to see your Key Largo coming together so nicely! the upholstered ceilings are GarWood/Hacker esque... like that you left the top strakes off the transom. you will be pleased how it all ties when done in that sequence.
-Billy

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(insert witty phrase here)
Billy's Belle Isle website

Am not breaking any records with build time but truely enjoy the time I do have to work on this project. So, decks are now down. I put down 6 coats of epoxy base, sanded then painted deck seems on. LOTS of hours taping (over 10 hrs). I used 3M 218 fine line 1/4" tape and put down exactly where the seems lines to go. Then used 1" tape on either side of that. Then pulled the 1/4" leaving a nice clean/straight line to paint. The lines came out pretty nice. Covered that with 10 coats of clear epoxy (needed that many to get above painted lines and leave room to sand back down).

So question I have is any recommendations on what to use to cover the clear epoxy with (for UV protection). On the topsides, I went with Epifanes Clear High Gloss Varnish. I think some use urethanes but looking for suggestions??

Am worried about discoloration of painted deck lines with what ever I use. Seems like even the clear varnish caused discoloration on test sample I did.

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John Sheperdson
http://keylargobarrelback19utility.shutterfly.com/

automotive clear would be good to use if you have a way to spray it

I went with Interlux 2 part PU. Applied it roll and tip. It's been on since 2008. It still looks pretty good. I may give the topsides another coat next year, damn dock scratches.

Bill

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Mini -Tug, KH Tahoe 19 & Bartender 24 - There can be no miracle recoveries without first screwing up.
Tahoe 19 Build

I have been spraying automotive polyurethane clear with great success.
Automotive clear straight over clear epoxy. works great.

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God Bless our Troops; especially our Snipers

Pretty much regulated myself to a brush but spraying does seem like a good way to go. Bill, will check into the 2 part PU...thx!

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John Sheperdson
http://keylargobarrelback19utility.shutterfly.com/

Lookin great Shep! Curious....how much space do you have on either side of your motor box?

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Ken Hundley
http://www.nocturnalguitars.com

So, my big brother was playing guitar and I figured I'd try it too.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan

Been a while since I was on the post, but my build is outlined on the Glen-L site if anyone is interested.
Also a friend posted youtube of the boat 'in action' at Big Bear Lake last summer. It was a bit choppy, but fun to watch the boat from the perspective of being on a 'real lake.'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt8qGcp_qQc

or search under "Elizabeth II and BB on Big Bear"
Dave

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Completed Key Largo in 2011!

David, boat looks great and can't wait to join you out there! Great lake to be boating on as well!

I'm guessing there is about 12-14" on either side of motor box. Not quite wide enough for a seat unfortunately.

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John Sheperdson
http://keylargobarrelback19utility.shutterfly.com/